Ryan’s Heartbreaking Exit: The Moment That Ruined Extracted!

by

I’m absolutely captivated by reality TV shows, especially those that fall into less common competition categories. I’m always open to giving these unique reality TV programs a try. Particularly, survival-themed shows really appeal to me, and the concept of individuals battling against nature caught my attention from the get-go with Fox’s new show Extracted. Now, it’s one of the series I make sure to watch every week. It has also found a spot among my favorite survivalist TV shows, which already include Survivor and Outlast.

Initially, the show demonstrated great promise and kept me hooked. However, while Season 1, Episode 5 titled “Burn Before Reading” might be its peak, it wasn’t because it was exceptionally brilliant. Instead, it was incredibly engaging but left me feeling more annoyed than excited. I have a lot to say about why this was the case.

Warning: Extracted Season 1 Episodes 1-5 spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

Ryan W Was A Frontrunner On Extracted, So I Felt So Bad For Him

Initially, Ryan W demonstrates a remarkable knack for thriving in wilderness conditions, earning him the label of a born survivor among many “Extracted” viewers, including myself. Predictions were already being made that he would advance to the finals due to his impressive performance. The show essentially belonged to him. Furthermore, Ryan is one of the rare survivalists who manage to make an impact, as in most episodes, other participants appear more like supporting characters when compared to their family members.

The concept of “Burn Before Reading” implies that Ryan’s family members, which include his wife and brother, feel compelled to intervene in his situation. Unlike other family members who have withdrawn their survivalist counterparts from the wilderness due to bodily or emotional distress, Ryan seems to be voluntarily struggling. This distinction sets him apart from others who have been asked or evidently needed assistance.

In simpler terms, the group chooses to exclude him following the burning of their written correspondence to him.

As a film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: When Ryan W loses two crucial challenges and his letter is among those incinerated in the fire, it pushes his family over the edge. Unable to bear the strain any longer, they decide to withdraw him from the reality show. This decision comes at a hefty price of $250,000. The episode concludes on one of the saddest and most somber notes that I’ve ever witnessed in reality television.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel crushed by the recent turn of events. My cherished dream has been shattered, and my loved ones share the sorrow. The incident that transpired with me might well be etched in reality TV lore as one of the most remarkable moments, but to me, it will forever carry an infamous weight.

His Family’s Move Feels Selfish To Me

In the opening of this episode, Ryan’s spouse, Sarah, and his brother, Sean, express their discomfort with the ongoing experience. Sean reminisces about missing his wife, which establishes a somber atmosphere for the rest of the narrative. Throughout most of the episode, both Sean and Sarah appear to be in low spirits. They seem to interpret even minor alliances shifts as personal affronts.

To put it in my own words, it appears that Sean and Sarah are yearning to return home, and they’re quick to seize any chance that comes their way. Ryan’s letter being burned offered them such an opportunity. While Ryan’s family, like others, may feel upset upon seeing a loved one’s letter burn, the intensity of Sean and Sarah’s reactions seems out of proportion.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m observing the families penning down their thoughts. Some express hopes that their letters might bring solace or help enhance the camp experience with useful advice. However, Sarah and Sean seem to be composing their correspondence primarily to clarify their struggles to Ryan.

It looks like they planned to inform Ryan about their predicament through the letter as a means of gaining his consent for extraction. Essentially, they wanted him to be aware of their struggles. From my perspective, it seems they were prepared to move on. Either they needed Ryan’s approval or were seeking a reason to legitimize their departure. Their decision didn’t take into account what Ryan preferred at all.

I Can Sympathize With Their Emotional Struggles But I Find It Hard To Be On Their Side

As a person who readily empathizes with others, I find myself deeply moved by heartrending films, ardently supporting reality TV contestants who triumph over hardships, and cheering for the good-hearted to prevail. Consequently, I can relate to the potential emotional turmoil Sean and Sarah may have experienced. They were persistently plagued by fears of Ryan being targeted. To them, it seemed as though everyone was against them. There were numerous factors that could have caused them significant distress.

It’s clear that reality TV producers manipulate events to provoke emotional turmoil, as it generates buzz-worthy moments for their shows. Given this, one can only speculate on the extent of unseen struggles. However, I still enjoy reality TV competitions, so I understand they often involve tough situations.

It’s unclear whether Sean and Sarah were a bit inexperienced or had simply never watched a reality TV competition show, but they appeared oblivious that such situations could occur. If they lacked prior experience or knowledge in this area, I would expect them to familiarize themselves by watching similar shows to prepare for what might happen. Despite my ability to understand their predicament, I can’t condone their actions. They should have been aware of the nature of the show they agreed to participate in.

I Didn’t Like How They Tried To Bring Morals Into Reality Television

I’m quite fond of programs similar to “Big Brother” and “Survivor,” where contestants may find themselves in situations requiring actions that could be debated as morally ambiguous to secure victory. Many of my preferred “Big Brother” champions have exhibited cunning gameplay, yet their actions might not always align with the ideals of moral conduct on reality television. Observing some responses to Season 3 of “The Traitors,” I’ve come to understand that there are those who believe that reality TV ought to uphold certain ethical standards.

I don’t hold the same opinion. While it’s pleasing when individuals deemed “good” triumph, I also appreciate competitive contestants on reality shows who display toughness and cunning. As far as they stay within reasonable limits, a touch of ruthlessness in reality TV isn’t unjustified.

To put it simply, it seems unlikely that anyone on Extracted has displayed excessive underhanded tactics in the game. In comparison to previous instances on reality TV without a script, this letter-burning contest was rather mild. I find Sean and Sarah’s accusation that the participants turned into cannibals to be an exaggeration. Additionally, while I understand Sarah’s frustration, I believe she was too harsh in blaming Natalie and Karly for their decision to depart. Instead, they are simply playing the game according to its rules, striving to help their families win and survive. This is not a severe offense.

Furthermore, it’s evident that Natalie is already riddled with regret over her action. While Sarah and Sean strive to portray their opponents as perpetrators of heinous acts, the majority of them work hard to prevent Sarah and Sean from departing. This suggests that they are merely seen as villains by Sarah and Sean.

I Viewed Them As The Villains More Than Heroes On Extracted

Reading through Extracted Episode 5, it’s impossible not to empathize with Ryan W. He appeared so content in the wilderness, pushing his limits and thriving. Yet, his family intervened due to their own difficulties, which seemed less challenging than his situation. Regardless, I assume Ryan has forgiven them, viewing this as a minor setback rather than a significant issue in the broader scheme of things. Nevertheless, the portrayal of Sean and Sarah prioritizing their feelings over Ryan’s wishes casts them in a negative light within this narrative, making them the antagonists of the story.

As a movie enthusiast, I had expected this story to revolve around him, his journey, with them providing support – making it memorable, yet not in a positive light. It’s important to remember that people are intricate beings, and none of us are perfect in any given situation. There are no heroes or villains here, just complex individuals going through their own struggles. I believe Sean and Sarah are genuinely good people who don’t deserve the negative attention they’ve been receiving. Nevertheless, within the realm of reality TV, they certainly play the role of ‘villains.’

Extracted airs on Mondays on Fox.

Read More

2025-03-19 03:09